Taylor DeLange '17

Major: Communications

Hometown: Vero Beach, FL

Current City: West Palm Beach, FL

 

Describe your current job role:

Project Coordinator at the Palm Beach Police Foundation: Assist the Executive Director in planning and executing their large scale fundraising events, as well as office operations and spearhead the Foundation’s social media. A freelance couples and personal brand photographer: Taylor Rae Photography.

 

What professional experience(s) did you have prior to your current job role?

Honestly, not much…after graduating I did some traveling, which I’m so grateful to have done, and then bounced around with a few different part-time jobs, which I really appreciate but I wouldn’t call them “professional.” They consisted of a barista, juice company brand ambassador, and photographer’s assistant for events on the island. This was also the time where I launched my photography business. The most professional experience I had may have been an internship during my undergrad with Student Leadership University. I was one of 14 interns from various universities, and my role was Registration Coordinator. I got to see and be a part of every detail that goes into executing large conference-like events.

 

What do you know now that you wish you had known about being a working professional?

I don’t really have an answer for this one for my Project Coordinator job. But when it comes to my photography business, I wish I had known how much my passions and goals would evolve with time and experience, and that it’s okay. I also wish I had known how much I would progress over time, and that I can never compare myself to others (specifically on social media) because everyone is at a different part of their journey. I've learned to do what makes me come alive and what I find purpose in, not try to chase after someone else's dream.

 

How did PBA prepare you for the world of work?

Like I said before, my internship with Student Leadership University was an incredible experience, and that was something I was able to do through PBA. I really appreciate a lot of my Communication classes because they’ve helped me to understand people of the “working world” much better. In my current role as a Project Coordinator, I’ve really put my knowledge of grammar and writing to good use, thanks to my English I and II class with Professor Jockel.

 

What advice would you give to current PBA students and/or young alumni who are about to start their first professional full-time job?

Do not worry. Take a leap of faith. Stretch yourself. Take advice from others around you. Figure out your values and goals in life, and take steps toward fulfilling those. If you’re starting your own business, don’t wait for things to be perfectly aligned, make a plan and just start!

 

Have you been mentored by anyone in your professional field since entering the workforce?  If so, what impact has that had on you?

I’ve never been officially mentored in the photography field, but I’ve invested in educational material that have significantly helped me navigate the photography business world.

 

Stay Updated

For current updates from Taylor visit her website and her LinkedIn profile.